True safety
You are not ensuring psychological safety in your team if you:
- Avoid conflict.
- Ensure everyone agrees.
- Keep discussions superficial.
People may feel uncomfortable when their opinions are challenged. However, a sign of true safety lies in their ability to express themselves freely, even if their opinions can be wrong. Psychological safety does not exist in a vacuum devoid of dissent or disagreement. It exists in an environment where voices are heard, respected, and engaged.
“Psychological safety—the belief that you can take a risk without being penalized or punished.” – Adam Grant
Two voices in the head
Your aspirations may evoke two voices in your head.
One that says: I can’t
Another that insists: I want
One focuses on what you do not have within you. The other reaches outwards to explore new experiences.
Which one of these voices is the loudest? Which one of these voices is influencing you the most?
“You will become as small as your controlling desire; as great as your dominant aspiration.” – James Allen
First step
You must begin from the step closest to the ground to reach the top of the stairs. The first step gives you enough momentum to take the subsequent steps until you ascend to where you aimed for. Progress is made possible because of your first step.
“The secret of getting ahead is getting started and maintaining the momentum.” – Mark Twain